News Line

Cartersville Council gets first look at 2013-14 budget
Cartersville City Council got its first look Thursday at the $145,329,420 budget prepared for fiscal year 2014. The bad news — revenues are down and expenses are up. The good news — no property tax increases.
Source: Cartersville Daily Tribune News

Bladder cancer claims the life of Kennesaw Councilman Bill Thrash
Service above self, especially helping young Kennesaw residents, is the legacy longtime councilman William E. “Bill” Thrash will leave behind to his beloved city. The 58-year-old died Thursday night after a hard-fought battle with bladder cancer.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

City has balanced budget prepared
City manager Barry Jarrett presented Milledgeville City Council members with an unbalanced budget last week. Wednesday’s city work session ended with an agreeable balanced document totaling $12.5 million.
Source: Milledgeville Union Recorder

OED unveils new high-tech office
The new Covington-Newton County Office of Economic Development had its grand opening Tuesday, unveiling a conference room with state-of-the-art technology that will play a role in the recruitment and retention of industries and efforts to improve the local workforce.
Source: Covington News

Reduced fees help lure businesses to Kennesaw
The City Council helped sweeten the pot for four businesses eyeing a move into the Kennesaw city limits, offering the owners reduced license fees, while the city’s Downtown Development Authority tacked on other goodies.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

Complete Streets ordinance back with changes
At the end of March, Milledgeville City Council withdrew the second reading of the new Complete Streets Policy allowing for modification.
Source: Milledgeville Union Recorder

Council Votes on Budget, Discusses Rates, City Shop
The Monticello City Council voted to tentatively approve their $9.691 million preliminary budget for 2014 Tuesday night at their regular business meeting.
Source: Monticello News

A Rabun County icon passes
Former mayor Tom Ramey Sr., a man who may have brought more change to Rabun County than any other person in modern times, died late Monday at the age of 82.
Source: Clayton Tribune

'Notify Newnan' Text Service Offered
The city of Newnan is reaching out to its citizens with a new capability to send text messages to mobile devices through its “Notify Newnan” program.
Source: Newnan Times-Herald

Newnan Upgrades Digital Radio System
The city of Newnan’s public safety and public works departments have switched over to a new enhanced digital radio system.
Source: Newnan Times-Herald

Warner Robins budget includes new positions, pay raises
Warner Robins’ proposed budget includes pay raises, extra positions and no additional taxes for next fiscal year.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Macon-Bibb mayor candidates take questions
Four of the six candidates for mayor of Macon-Bibb County’s new consolidated government lined up to answer questions Thursday night at the Douglass Theatre, a session sponsored by the “Up Next with …” interview show on government-access Channel 14.
Source: Macon Telegraph

GSDA helps Norcom expand with $10 million bond
The Griffin-Spalding Development Authority helping Norcom expand its Griffin operation with a $10 million bond issuance.
Source: Griffin Daily News

Traffic officials propose changing schedule for tax projects
The voter-approved construction schedule for dozens of transportation projects funded by a 1 percent sales tax could be significantly revised in Richmond County.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Athens committee looks to add public info session to historic designation process
A committee of Athens-Clarke County commissioners is taking a swing at standardizing the process for designating a neighborhood as historic.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

With pay raises on the table, city workers debate whether it is enough
An Atlanta plan to give some city workers more money in their paychecks, has hit a snag: city workers.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

New Braselton transportation alternative links businesses
Local business owners, public officials and representatives from the Braselton Community Improvement District (CID) will open their doors in celebration on Saturday, June 1, from 10:00-4:00 to mark the official opening of the Braselton LifePath.
Source: Access North Georgia

LFD chief of operations to retire
The LaGrange Fire Department will soon say goodbye to 34-year member Chris Smith as he retires as the department’s chief of operations.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

Hall cities beat state population growth rate
The population of the six cities and towns in Hall County beat the growth rate in the state over the past 12 months, according to figures released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: Alma Times

Woodstock presents proposed ’14 budget
The city’s proposed $33.8 million budget for fiscal year 2014 was presented at a special called meeting of the mayor and Woodstock City Council on Monday.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

Councilor Gary Allen recommends restoring some fire department budget cuts
Faced with the possibility of laying off firefighters to meet proposed budget cuts, Columbus Councilor Gary Allen recommended restoring about $700,000 in Columbus Department of Fire and Emergency Services funding for fiscal 2014, temporarily at least.
Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Conyers to answer questions on mixed-use development district
A meeting designed to address concerns and answer questions about the city's mixed-use development zoning district is planned for Tuesday, May 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers at City Hall.
Source: Rockdale Citizen

Fourteenth Street pedestrian bridge won't open until August
Whitewater on the Chattahoochee officially begins Saturday, but gawkers will have to wait a few months to view the action from the 14th Street pedestrian bridge, city officials said today.
Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Charter review committee for Fort Oglethorpe finalized; mayor appoints member after councilman’s nominees rejected
The Fort Oglethorpe council has appointed a seven-member committee to review the city’s charter and, in the process, tossed out one council member’s nominees.
Source: Catoosa County News

Census: Alpharetta among fastest-growing US cities
Alpharetta in North Georgia is among the fast-growing cities in the United States, according to a federal population estimate released Thursday.
Source: Access North Georgia

Officials working to fill economic void
Effects of the closing of one Thomas County’s biggest employers, a state mental hospital established in the 1960s, are rippling through the community.
Source: Thomasville Times-Enterprise

City of Rochelle threatened with suit
Officials here have been served with a notice of intent to file citizen suit under the Clean Water Act.
Source: Cordele Dispatch

Yatesville could get new siren in future, says EMA Director McCarty
Upon County Emergency Management Agency Director Martha Ann McCarty gave the Yatesville City Council an update on what she hopes the EMA can accomplish over the next five years, including replacing the current weather siren in Yatesville with one that will cover a greater distance.
Source: Thomaston Times

Statham city council discusses relocating city hall
Due to a loss of money from its community rental buildings as well as security concerns, the Statham City Council discussed the possible relocation of city hall at its recent work session.
Source: Jackson County News

Cumming Christmas Parade bad for businesses?
Lance White said he wants the city of Cumming to move its annual Christmas parade route away from Market Place Boulevard because it cut on his sales by half.
Source: NorthFulton.com

City to issue revenue bonds to refinance loan
The Americus Mayor and City Council took action at last Thursday’s agenda setting meeting to approve the sale of Sunset Memorial Gardens to Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel Inc. for $20,000.
Source: Americus Times-Recorder

Macon council angered by slow rate of house demolition
The failure of Macon to demolish anything close to the oft-cited goal of 100 abandoned houses per year dominated city budget talks Wednesday, as council members went over the Economic & Community Development Department budget.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Firefighters hope to form rescue dive team
With a unanimous preliminary decision by the City Commission, Albany firefighters have high hopes of creating a rescue dive team.
Source: Albany Herald

New traffic lights coming to Richmond Hill
The residents of Mulberry Subdivision in Richmond Hill will soon get the green light on a construction project that has been on their radar for years.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Centerville council explores ways to connect with local legislative delegation
City Council heard Tuesday about a program that will bring it and state legislators together to discuss issues and concerns.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Former Peachtree City Mayor Logsdon to try another run
Former Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon has announced he will seek re-election to the office he held for one term.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Perry approves new fire engine purchase
City Council approved Tuesday the purchase of a fire engine for Fire Station No. 2. The new engine will cost about $750,000 and will take about a year to build, Mayor Jimmy Faircloth said.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Plan could change face of riverfront
West Point City Council soon will decide on the final plan to revitalize a large portion of its 10th Street Redevelopment Plan, including downtown and the riverfront.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

City working to install lights at intersection
City commissioners are hoping to shed a little light on what could be an accident waiting to happen.
Source: Cedartown Standard

Gainesville council approves convention center study
The city of Gainesville is moving ahead with a plan to consider a new convention center and hotel project.
Source: Access North Georgia

Byron receives $374,377 grant to benefit new hospital
The city of Byron has received a $374,377 grant to help with public road and sewer system improvements in relation to Peach County’s new hospital..
Source: Macon Telegraph

Aragon council approves ordinance to regulate feeding of 'waterfowl'
Ducks continue to nest and raise young on the banks of Aragon millpond. The expanding population and problems created by people feeding these visitors was presented to Aragon’s city council.
Source: Cedartown Standard

City losses from flooding in Flowery Branch at least $1.4M
An early estimate of the damage caused to city property by flooding in Flowery Branch over the weekend has been put at $1.4 million.
Source: Access North Georgia

St. Marys civic employees may get raises by 3 percent
After six years of frozen wages, St. Marys municipal employees may be getting a raise.
Source: Brunswick News

Officials push for retail incentives
Mayor Ronnie Johnston continues to push for more active recruitment of retail businesses, including restaurants, movie theaters and the like, and he’s hoping the city of Covington and the Newton County Industrial Authority may be able to bring some major companies to the area.
Source: Covington News

Peachtree Corners votes to accept grant
The mayor and city council voted to accept a local maintenance and improvement grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation during Tuesday's city council meeting.
Source: Gwinnett Daily Post

City to issue revenue bonds to refinance loan
The Americus Mayor and City Council took action at last Thursday’s agenda setting meeting to approve the sale of Sunset Memorial Gardens to Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel Inc. for $20,000.
Source: Americus Times-Recorder

City settles with Albany Heights owners
Albany City Attorney Nathan Davis announced just after noon Tuesday that the city has settled its lawsuit over more than $2.1 million in unpaid federal loans it said was owed by the owners of the Albany Heights assisted-living facility.
Source: Albany Herald

Gainesville awards bid for convention center study
Gainesville City Council approved awarding the bid for the convention center and hotel feasibility study to consulting firms Key Advisors Inc. and the Bleakly Advisory Group on Tuesday evening.
Source: Gainesville Times

Tall ship Steelaway leaving St. Marys in frustration
The owners of the picturesque, three-masted Schooner Steelaway that has been a part of the downtown St. Marys waterfront for over three years are bidding a frustrated goodbye to the community.
Source: Florida Times-Union

Sam Hart: I Can Unite Macon-Bibb
Bibb County Commission Chair Sam Hart told The Telegraph's editorial board Monday evening that he has the broad appeal necessary to unite Macon and Bibb County when the two merge in January.
Source: GPB News

Oglethorpe ‘eye sore’ may get TLC
One of the biggest “eye sores” in Calhoun, Oglethorpe Inn, is on the verge of being sold and torn down.
Source: Calhoun Times

Grantville Approves New Maps
The Grantville City Council has approved new zoning maps and comprehensive plan maps.
Source: Newnan Times-Herald

Skate Park Project Moves Forward
A skate park in Grantville is one step closer to reality.
Source: Newnan Times-Herald

Jenkinsburg works with resident to lower massive water bill
The Jenkinsburg City Council voted unanimously to help a resident reduce her water bill after an undetected leak increased her monthly water usage by 81,000 gallons.
Source: Jackson Progress-Argus

Committee tells commissioners they shouldn't do work for city
Augusta commissioners won't be allowed to work as contractors for the city under any circumstances, a subcommittee charged with reviewing the issue decided Tuesday.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Athens-Clarke committee puts off decision on law limiting use of land surrounding business to review ordinance draft
A proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of Athens-Clarke County government grounds remains in limbo after members of its reviewing committee put off any decisions about it Tuesday night.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Budget approved for expected events; GVL also readies for the unexpected
The Gainesville City Council unanimously approved the recommended 2014 budget at Tuesday evening’s voting session, balancing expected revenues for the upcoming fiscal year against the anticipated expenses during the same time period.
Source: Access North Georgia

Cleveland moving forward with commercial sewer improvements
The City of Cleveland opened bids Monday for a major sewer improvement project for the south side of the city.
Source: Access North Georgia

Chalk announces bid for Warner Robins mayor
A retired U.S. Air Force intelligence officer who is a logistics manager at Robins Air Force Base announced his bid Tuesday for Warner Robins mayor.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Macon-Bibb worker benefit help passes City Council, stalls in county
Macon City Council voted 13-0 Tuesday to hire BB&T Insurance Services as the benefits consultant for the new Macon-Bibb County consolidated government.
Source: Macon Telegraph

City OKs water agreement with county
The current water sales agreement between Griffin, Spalding County and the Spalding County Water and Sewerage Facilities Authority expires in 2020.
Source: Griffin Daily News

Talks to begin soon on how to pay for new PMC sewer line
Now that officials have been given cost options on the construction of a sewer line that would service the new proposed Polk Medical Center, discussion on how to move forward with the project is set to begin soon.
Source: Cedartown Standard

Increase in City water and sewer sparks debate
The debate lies in whether or not to raise the minimum bill on water and sewer, which would balance the water and sewer budget for the first time since 2008.
Source: Calhoun Times

CPD announces $8k grant for new equipment
The Calhoun Police Department has been awarded a grant of $8,000 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for the purchase of an Intoxilyzer 9000.
Source: Calhoun Times

Mobility Transit files procurement lawsuit against Augusta
The legal team representing Mobility Transit has filed suit in federal court alleging Augusta broke its procurement code and state open meeting laws when it terminated the bus company's contract and sought new bids from transit companies.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Doraville officer's name is finally added to memorial
The name of a Doraville police officer killed while responding to a call has been added to a memorial to fallen officers after relatives questioned an earlier decision to exclude him from it.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

After Prince Avenue meeting, questions of scope linger
As public hearings on Prince Avenue’s future continue — with Athens-Clarke County planning officials focusing solely on land use so far — a central question is emerging: How quickly does the community want to move?
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Care being given to restore Porterdale Gym as architect intended
Work is moving forward on the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Porterdale Gym, and last week masonry workers took steps to restore the facade to the way the architect who designed the structure intended.
Source: Rockdale Citizen

Douglasville leaders act on hazardous guardrail
The Douglasville City Council authorized Mayor Harvey Persons to sign an agreement with Croy Engineering, LLC, for the relocation of the guardrail, which sits on Chapel Hill Road.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

Conyers denies night club request
A request from a restaurant owner to permit his business as a night club was rejected by the City Council last week.
Source: Rockdale Citizen

South Rome community garden closer to reality
Property adjacent to the South Rome Community Association building, 607 Pennington Ave., has been chosen as the site for the new South Rome Community Garden.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

City ethics panel meets to get organized prior to discussing complaint
The City of Milledgeville’s ethics board held its first meeting Monday to discuss the functions of the three-member board and the process for addressing its first complaint.
Source: Milledgeville Union Recorder

Council considering CDBG contract
City Council members will consider a contract for a Community Development Block Grant project to improve infrastructure at Monday's regular 7 p.m. meeting.
Source: Clayton News Daily

LaFayette gets electricity credit windfall, hears rec complaints
The city of LaFayette is looking forward to an unexpected addition of $471,108 to its end-of-year settlement with MEAG Power, from which the city purchases electricity.
Source: Catoosa County News

No tax increases for Warner Robins
The city has a balanced budget with no tax increases for the upcoming fiscal year, Mayor Chuck Shaheen said Monday during a council meeting.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Macon committee agrees to pave 58 streets
Fifty-eight asphalt streets in Macon will be patched or resurfaced at a cost of nearly $1.5 million, the City Council’s Appropriations Committee decided Monday.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Griffin OKs more money for the airport
The City of Griffin approved almost a quarter million dollars for the Griffin-Spalding Airport this fiscal year.
Source: Griffin Daily News

City Council approves new turf for soccer field at Lakeshore Park
Lakeshore Park could become the home of Dalton State College’s soccer program, and the City Council took the first step on Monday in getting the park ready for college sports.
Source: Dalton Daily Citizen

Commission vote on downtown parking expected
Whether downtown businesses and the public are allowed unlimited public parking on Broad Street faces a likely vote by the Augusta Commission on Tuesday.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Brookhaven hires first two officers
Brookhaven recently swore in its first two police officers, supervisors who will support Chief Gary Yandura.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Council clears way for downtown Ferris wheel
The Atlanta City Council on Monday voted unanimously to provide an encroachment for a right of way that would allow a 20-story Ferris wheel to be built in downtown Atlanta.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Citizens withdraw suit over park trail
Dunwoody resident Beverly Armento and about two dozen other residents have withdrawn their suit against the city over construction of a concrete trail in Brook Run Park.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

New Warner Robins Law Enforcement Center open to public
The new $10 million Warner Robins Law Enforcement Center now is open to the public.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Calhoun is “Tree”-rific!
Trees are a crucial part to everyday life, and Arbor Day Foundation has just recognized the City of Calhoun for the 20th consecutive year as a ‘Tree City.’
Source: Calhoun Times

Resolution and recognition highlight council meeting
The Thomson City Council approved a resolution appointing the mayor as a voting delegation on the Municipal Gas Authority.
Source: McDuffie Progress

Sewer plant upgrades in progress
Major renovations are underway to Woodbine's wastewater treatment plant and the city's entire sewer line system.
Source: Brunswick News

City likely to raise rates for ambulance service
Fire Chief Eddie Buckholts told city council members Thursday night his department may have to increase base rate charges for ambulatory service to help cover costs.
Source: Clayton News Daily

Fort Oglethorpe council to vote on city charter committee members
It appears not all the nominations for Fort Oglethorpe mayor Lynn Long’s charter study committee will make the final cut.
Source: Catoosa County News

Dalton mayor mulls challenge to Deal
David Pennington, the mayor of Dalton, is making noises about challenging incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2014 Republican primary. Say what?
Source: Bryan County News

Trails for Recreation and Economic Development helps raise money for Redmond Trail
TRED is building bridges. Or trails, to be more exact. The group Trails for Recreation and Economic Development has been raising money through private donations to help fund the Redmond Trail. It’s now seeking thousands of dollars in grant money for the trail, and is looking to local government and businesses for their support.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

South Rome community garden closer to reality
Property adjacent to the South Rome Community Association building, 607 Pennington Ave., has been chosen as the site for the new South Rome Community Garden.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

Canton nears agreement on council, mayor pay
The Canton City Council inched closer to an agreement on potential pay raises for the council and mayor at its meeting Thursday, and the mayor said Friday that if it passes he would now be less likely to veto the proposal.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

Canton maintains ISO rating of 4
After a recent review, Canton maintained its ISO rating of 4, which can have an effect on homeowners’ and businesses insurance rates and has been one of the most often mentioned factors in the long, heated debate over remedying the city’s fire services issues.
Source: Cherokee Ledger

Ringgold moving forward with groundwater exploration
Ringgold is planning ahead for its water needs by moving forward with the initial phase of groundwater exploration following a unanimous vote during its meeting on Monday, May 13.
Source: Catoosa County News

Fort Oglethorpe council votes down billboard advertisement
Fort Oglethorpe mayor Lynn Long exercised his right to vote in a tie during the council's May 13 meeting.
Source: Catoosa County News

Renovated Comer Gym in Bibb City almost ready for grand reopening
Repairs and renovations to the old Comer Auditorium in Bibb City – now the Comer Center – have all but been completed and the grand reopening is about a month away, according to Deputy City Manager David Arrington.
Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Community aims to jumpstart rec center renovation
Surrounded by small, older homes, tucked on a little hill off a narrow street that connects historic neighborhoods, the Lawrence Street Recreation Center has sat patiently waiting for some attention from the 2009 parks bond.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

Albany City Manager James Taylor preaches austerity in city budget
While budget time is about self-preservation -- saving my job, funding my projects, purchasing my equipment, protecting my turf -- for many of the people he works with in the city's government, it's a much simpler process for Albany City Manager James Taylor.
Source: Albany Herald

Auburn residents may see higher water rates
Auburn’s 2,800 water customers could soon get higher bills.
Source: Barrow County News

Savannah holds Bicycle Block Party
With the help of several community partners and grants, the city provided a space for bicycle activities, painting and chalk art, live music, outdoor games, booths for local vendors and information about health and wellness.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Peachtree City listed among safest cities in the nation
Peachtree City has again earned the distinction of being one of the top 100 safest cities in the United States as determined by the NeighborhoodScout website.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Peachtree City Council debates sales tax for roads, paths
A proposed countywide special sales tax, up for a vote in November, would provide $12.8 million to Peachtree City over a two-year period.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Griffin Police Department earns third national accreditation
The Griffin Police Department has earned national and international certification.
Source: Griffin Daily News

Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Dept. sets community up for continuing success
The economic downturn of the past few years and the budgetary concerns on all levels of government have brought to the forefront the necessity and positive impacts of economic development in our community.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Prince Avenue, 'a jewel,' and subject of planning look
Prince Avenue, the thoroughfare that doubles as a neighborhood road, described as a “jewel” and “uniquely Athens,” draws strong opinions when its future is being plotted.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Former commissioner to run for state Senate
Former Augusta Commission member Joe Bowles plans to run for the District 22 state Senate seat next year.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Macon Downtown Airport to get studies, updates
A couple of changes are coming to the Macon Downtown Airport, the smaller of two airports the city owns.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Savannah mayor, alderman leaving for Turkey
Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson and Alderman Tom Bordeaux are hoping a little Southern charm will win over some new friends across the Atlantic Ocean.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Work on Commercial Circle will improve drainage, change aesthetics
Tony Robbins, a Commercial Circle property owner, can’t stand the rain. And his buildings don’t withstand it. But work to alleviate storm drainage problems in the area may soon be underway, along with a tweak to Commercial Circle’s appearance.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Macon pension costs seen rising as budget tackled
Digging into actual city departmental budgets instead of outside agencies, the Macon City Council’s Appropriations Committee quickly ran into some higher costs for the coming fiscal year.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Best and final offers filed in sales tax arbitration
Both Hall County and the city of Gainesville filed offers Friday on how each side wants to divide local option sales tax money among governments in the county.
Source: Access North Georgia

City workers to potentially get $2.8 million in pay raises
City of Atlanta employees, including police officers and firefighters, will see a bump in salary next year, Mayor Kasim Reed said early Friday evening.
Source: Creative Loafing

Board names two finalists to direct Athens Downtown Development Authority
The board of the Athens Downtown Development Authority has named two finalists for the authority’s executive director post — one of them an Athens resident — to replace the departing Kathryn Lookofsky, according to a Friday ADDA news release.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Trail would link Atlanta BeltLine to Chattahoochee
After years of neglect, government leaders and land conservationists are working to develop a seven-mile trail along a polluted Atlanta creek that would link the city's BeltLine trail system to the Chattahoochee River.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Gore to run for former council seat
Dr. Tom Gore, 58, a two-term member of LaGrange City Council from 2002 to 2010, announced his intent to seek election in November 2013 for a return to the council in District 1.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

Savannah A 'Playful' City
Once again Savannah is being recognized as one of America's most "playful" cities for its abundance of parks and playgrounds.
Source: Savannah Morning News